Georgia Spotlight: Atlanta HRC Dinner Committee

“When we won it [the first time in 2008] it was sort of a surprise … but this year we were really surprised,” says Brad DiFiore, the 2010 dinner co-chair with Julie Wood. DiFiore was co-chair last year with Ebonee Bradford.

“Not because we don’t believe it to be true, but it was very gratifying they still chose us after we won the previous year. I like to think it’s because we stand out,” DiFiore says.

National HRC Events Manager Richard Gagliano credits the committed volunteers on the Atlanta committee for holding a successful dinner each year.

“They are true partners with HRC National every step of the way. … HRC Atlanta sets the bar in terms of what it means to be a successful HRC Dinner Committee,” Gagliano says.

Atlanta’s HRC Dinner raised $330,000 in 2009. This year the dinner is slated for May 1 at the Hyatt Regency. The HRC National Visibility Award will be presented to Andy Cohen, Bravo’s senior vice president of original programming and development.

Cohen is behind such shows as “Top Chef,” all of “The Real Housewives” shows and “The Millionaire Matchmaker.” He also hosts Bravo’s late-night weekly talk-show “Watch What Happens: Live.”

Also to be honored at this year’s dinner are state Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta), who will receive the Dan Bradley Humanitarian Award, and Vandy Beth Glenn, recipient of the Leon Allen and Winston Johnson Community Service Award.